Hatching of the Ben & Jerry's Clutch

[kysseh]

The Peanut Butter Cup Blue was caught up in staring at the flitter before his nose, uttering a little croon when the creature went away. He flailed his limbs a bit and then got to his feet, sneezing multiple times to free his nostrils of egg gunk. Well, all right… he was well-rested and now had a duty to fulfill. No sooner had he taken a single hop towards the bunch of candidates, though, when a cooing sound brought him to a complete halt.

The Cherry Garcia Egg had fractured near the bottom, and a lightly-built green had slipped out, peeking her way around the wobbling Peach Cobbler Egg to see what was going on. She cooed again, her whirling eyes fixed on the blue as she crept up to him. The tension instantly fled from her frame, though when the blue lowered his nose to touch hers, and the little hatchlings were immediately pressed together in quiet contemplation. Their gazes flicked constantly towards the candidates and then back toward each other, clearly consulting. One of the blue’s pale wings somehow managed to flop its wet, sandy self across the green’s back, but the Cherry Garcia Green did not seem to mind, instead just licking the blue’s nose.

Their musings were abruptly interrupted by the muted squawks of another hatchling, the Phish Food Egg rocking violently in its place. As both hatchlings stared, the side of the shell exploded outwards, allowing an almost fluorescent blue hatchling to tumble onto the sands. He squawked once more, trying to flatten his bulky and nearly-glowing body to the sands. What was going on? It was so bright out! His head, chin resting flat on the sand, turned slowly to see his clutchmates watching him. He twitched in outrage and began a very slow and not-so-sneaky belly-crawl across the sands, making low rumbling noises the entire way.

He is so very strange, isn’t he, my love? But BrotherMine here is strange too, but he is very nice as well. I will come to you in a moment, but I must make sure my brother here picks first. the green whispered into the head of Hers, her tailtip twitching lightly as she watched her bright blue brother making his way across the sands.

Finally, the Phish Food Blue could take the abuse of being watched for no longer, and he skulked around Eliah’s feet, quivering in outrage. Looking at me, looking at me. They. Are. Looking. At. ME. His little jaws latched onto the boy’s robes, trying in vain to draw the white fabric about himself. Mine, make them stop staring! They are all going to laugh at me. I just KNOW it! They are going to laugh at me. You will not let them laugh at your Viveth, will you, E’iahMine? YOU would never be that cruel.

Now that Viveth was raging at the feet of His, the Peanut Butter Cup Blue began gently nudging his sister towards the mass of candidates. They leaned on each other for balance and support, the blue being courteous enough to escort his sister right up until she curled around the feet of Hers and crooned in contentment. Then the blue turned to spy His, creeling in upset at the sight of redness around her legs. The one who has injured you has committed a crime. But fear not, dear Jazheera, for you are now mine.[/color] he said to His, nuzzling at Jazheera’s thigh with exquisite gentleness. I am Dhavalth, and I love you very much. But I am now very hungry and could eat a whole bunch. Of food.

BrotherMine needs some work on his rhymes. the green whispered conspiratorially to Hers, eyes whirling the brilliant rainbow of Impression as she stared up at the girl’s face. But he makes a good choice, doesn’t he, RulianaMine? Your Amalath believes so. May we go eat now? We can go eat with Dhavalth and His!

The Karamel Sutra Egg was making noises, cracks appearing along the length of the egg as the creature inside began to lazily rock the egg back and forth. It, unlike its Peach Cobbler clutchmate, seemed to be taking its sweet time.

Hepaticath let out a rumble of amusement as three of her offspring chose Theirs in quick succession, doing her best to not disturb the pair of flits on her nose. She seemed to be turning into a giant perch, but the queen found herself strangely comforted by it. The firelizards made excellent weapons should people choose to act badly, and she was fairly sure she could convince them to eat alive whomever tried to harm her eggs. Yes, she was feeling much better now, and she accepted Ellie’s compliments with feelings of gratitude, chuffing in amusement and affirmation to the little gold’s question. Yes, the humans cuddled strangely.

We made fine offspring, Ciceroth. she commented to her mate, obviously proud. Yes, the hatchling snuck in with her friend. They have been behaving. Mine knows, but do not tell Yours. He looks busy enough as it is. The gold aimed Kalerary and her friend a look of amusement but refrained from getting off her couch to go lick them into compliance. That could be saved for later.

Savitri briefly stroked Ka’rys’s hair before letting him be claimed by both infants, the girls having lost interest in the hatching in favor of a relative that could be crawled all over and abused. “Wake up, Rys. You’re missing it,” she murmured to him, snickering quietly as little baby voices began to chant, “papa!” with increasing volume and frequency. Poor man. She would offer him her bed later if he was still that tired.

[Kisha-Ra]

Something made Kain look up from his study of the grains of sand under his sandals. What was making that hideous racket? It was quite probably the most awful sound he’d ever heard a dragon make, with the notable exception of their death keen. A glance reassured Kain that the dragon in question wasn’t hurt, it appeared to be… singing, or just howling, it was pretty hard to tell. What Kain could tell was that it was a shame that the guy (he was pretty sure it was a male the blue was with, despite the hair, and the dress) the dragon was with had just Impressed. Now there was someone Kain wouldn’t have minded comforting after they failed to Impress.

Once the blue had (mercifully!) shut up, and had been announced to everyone, Kain risked a look around now he thought he could manage it without panicking and bolting for the exit. The sight of a near white hide emerging from one of the eggs made his throat tighten for a moment but it was a blue, an ordinary (so far as he could tell) blue, nothing like the last near white hatchling he’d seen…

The pair of greens on the sands were a welcome distraction, he’d been really worried about seeing hatchling greens actually, but these two healthy hatchlings looked so very little like Destith that there was no connection at all. He even found himself taking an interest as the first of the greens picked out her rider, though she didn’t actually approach anyone that whirl of eye colours was unmistakeable.

However the second green was much more entertaining to watch, the stripy little beast went charging off into the crowd and seemed to bounce off everyone after poking them to assure herself they weren’t hers. How bizarre. As she approached him Kain braced himself, ready to turn slightly so he could take the hatchling’s groin poke on his thigh and avoid personal damage, but to his bewilderment the green settled her weight against his legs with a squeaky crooning sound.

I found you! You hid, and I found you! K’fuzziMine, your Balath loves you! See, love? Love! The green squeked and wriggled against his legs, sending the already stunned new weyrling staggering a few steps. So food now? Foodfoodfood? I want food! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease? The green begged, then paused and fluttered her damp wings worriedly. FuzziMine? Why is there water running from your eyes? Did you get sand in them? K’fuzzi?[/color] The little green squealed in alarm as K’fuzzi dropped to the sand beside her, then shrieked in delight as he flung his arms around her and rubbed his face against her shoulder. Clearly his eyes didn’t hurt that much. Good. Oh K’fuzzi, I am just starving! When can I have my foooooood? Wheeeeeen?[/color]

Until Balath mentioned it K’fuzzi had been so stunned he wasn’t even aware he had tears running down his face. She was so, so, perfect. Balath’s presence fitted in perfectly, neatly slotting into K’fuzzi’s being, numbing all the raw places that having one hatchling ripped away from him had left, wounds he hadn’t even been consciously aware of. Abruptly he dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around the squealing dragon. Whole, healty green. Second chance. He’d never forget the moments Destith had been his, but he had Balath now, and he had to do right by her. Shoving thoughts of his ill fated first Impression away (he could confess all to Balath later, she understand, he knew) so as not to upset Balath, he stood. ‘Alright, food. You want to be announced like your brother?’ Oh no, no. I just want food. Foodfoodfoooooooood![/color] Balath replied, K’fuzzi shrugged, clearly she was somewhat single minded.

[rii]

Kostya's hand quickly found Marsayis's shoulder to balance himself out. Only the firm grip and the blond's uncharacteristic silence hinted at the pain. He took the cloth, appreciating the gesture, but he wasn't willing to bend down onto the hot sands and actually evaluate the damage. It hurt to put any sort of pressure on the leg, and a quick glance showed the sight of his blood running over his foot and soaking into the sands. Would probably have to get stitches. The annoyance flared in Kostya and he shot another look at the responsible blue.

"This is stupid." His voice was low and meant only for Marsayis ears. Carefully he shifted them aside as more of the little dragons came bumbling toward the group. Why did they have to stand together? To encourage the little things to slash them aside to get to the ones they wanted? Not even the horrified look on Ruliana's face didn't draw out any satisfaction from Kostya.

"Can we go?" The dragons were nearly all impressed, after all. Not like either of them wanted to stay in this little weyr of outcasts. Didn't they have plans to eventually return to the north? "Shards, that kid is crying. I don't know how much more blissful joy I can take before I hit someone."

Finally giving in, Kostya bent to lift the hem of his robe to inspect the gash alongside his calf. He quickly dropped the sodden fabric with an annoyed hiss. There was something about seeing his own blood that he just didn't like.

[Rei]

Ruliana watched in awe as more of the little dragons broke shell. The Peanut Butter Cup Blue and the Cherry Garcia green seemed quite interested in the whole line up although they did not make a further rove towards the grouping of candidates. Instead they stayed pressed together having what looked like a nice little chat as another blue broke shell and squawked before flattening himself to the sand. A frown came over the woman’s face. Was he hurt? Worry about the blue was pushed aside at a voice in her head and she looked around as if to try and find who was speaking to her. He is so very strange, isn’t he, my love? But BrotherMine here is strange too, but he is very nice as well. I will come to you in a moment, but I must make sure my brother here picks first.

Blinking in astonishment Ruliana watched as the previous pair of hatchlings made their way across the sands and directly to her. Here the little green curled at her feet as the blue turned and creeled. Whatever had upset him however wasn’t important at the moment. All that was important was the whiling rainbow before her. BrotherMine needs some work on his rhymes. But he makes a good choice, doesn’t he, RulianaMine? Your Amalath believes so. May we go eat now? We can go eat with Dhavalth and His! Dropping to her knees heedless of the hot sands she reached over and hugged the small green to her. “Of course Amalath.” Tears cascaded down her face and the little green crooned and reached up to lick them off. Why are you leaking Rulianamine?

The woman just nuzzled her dragon again. “I’m crying because I am happy darling. Lets go now and get you something to eat.” Amalath gave a chirp at that and pressed herself against the woman’s leg as they made their way to the feeding station. It was so strange but she really was happy. Happier than she could ever remember being before. Catching Jazzheera’s eye she smiled as her green gave a excited cry. Dhavalth! Let us go eat Brothermine. Before they run out of food. Ruliana shook her head and smiled. “Amalath I doubt they will run out.”

~~~

Tynaris watched in hopeful interest as three more dragons broke shell all impressing to people he didn’t know. The amount of happiness around him made it hard for him to feel anything but happy for them all. The happy hatchlings bounding to the feeding station all, for the most part, looked terribly happy. Despite the few grumpy ones like that green and maybe the bright blue. The candidate turned his eyes back to the clutch, as if by just staring he could cause more dragons to burst shell. It was almost disorienting how fast it was all moving. There where still eggs left and so still a chance. Tynaris absently eyed the other candidates close to him. Immediately he moved to stand next to the smaller two a boy and a girl. “I don’t think talking to the queen is going to accomplish anything. Need to direct that voice at the hatchlings.” He said with a wink to Nabrik.

Wasn’t he a little young to be here? For that matter the girl seemed young to. He frowned. “You know this isn’t the time to be playing around.” he gestured over to Kostya and the other bleeders. “If you don’t want to end up like them maybe you guys should take a seat in the stands?” It was just a helpful suggestion after all. Children probably didn’t belong around clumsy hatchlings with large talons.

[midnight]

Meagen smiled at the red head lightly, looking towards his split lip and chuckling. "Hey Cry, Hey Mik." She stated gently as she pulled her leg up a little. Letting Drop perch on top of her knee. The big blue flitter slumped a little and yawned faintly. His eyes turning towards the males near his partner. He looked at Clingy and took this moment to go towards the other firelizards. Clingy was perfectly fine with this - why not? The big ugly and STUPID thing was GONE.

The hatching was moving so quickly! Usually hatchings took so long, at least the ones she remembered from Fort. She sighed as her eyes turned to the ground, flinching faintly as she wrapped her arm around her knee. She rested her chin on her knee now that Drop was making his way to Ellie - and the Great Queen Dragon. Her eyes closed as she rested her chin on her knee. Her eyes watching the hatching. "I wasn't released in time for the Hatching - there are things I still need to fix. Which I am fine with doing. I can't be a proper bonded for a dragon - until I can properly control my own self." She whispered as she stroked a finger down her leg.

Clingy took this moment to turn a critical eye on the two males. But his liked them, and knew them well. So he wasn't going to call them stupid - persay. Who? he stated as he jumped from Meagen's shoulder to Mik's shoulder. Eying him right between the eyes, unawares that the other male had a Mandyr as well.

[Ruby]

Tenlie was overwhelmed, but in a good way, not a bad one. She clapped along with the audience as each new dragonet impressed, gasped when Candidates went down under flailing babies, and scooted sharply out of the way when any of them came her direction. She figured you'd know if the dragon was coming for you, and if it wasn't, well, much better to get out of the way. She ended up over by Tynaris, the tall Candidate she remembered from Dementia's hatching, and waved vaguely at him, offering an encouraging smile. He probably wouldn't remember her, but Ten never missed an opportunity to be friendly. So far, she was very pleased with the hatching. It was exciting!

Her eye was caught by an odd little dragon- was he white? No, blue patches, he must be blue after all. But he looked right at her and moved on, clearly looking for someone else. She smiled and mentally wished him luck, scanning the rest of the eggs as they twitched and spilled their contents onto the sands. Her eyes lit on a gorgeous emerald green dragonet (a little roly-poly, but Ten thought babies should always be chubby) who was finally moving from her egg onto the sands. After only a few steps, she sat on her behind, and one eye fixed... on her.

Ten gasped, throwing her hands over her mouth as a commanding, resonant voice entered her mind. TenlieSlaveLove, get those hideous things off your head. They are awful. Now come feed your Rajnith, and make it good food! None of that mushy stuff. I want to chew it, and get this sand out of my eyes! It hurts me! For a second she thought it was Hepaticath again (why would any other dragon speak to her directly?) but almost immediately she realized what a silly assumption that was. Why would Hepaticath call her a slave? No, the voice had named itself Rajnith, and after several full seconds Ten made the connection. Rajnith was the green, and the green was hers. Or more correctly, she was the Green's.

Rushing towards the clutch with no regard for her safety, Ten pushed the goggles off her head and knelt next to Rajnith, pulling the hem of her robe up to gently dab the dragonet's eyes. Rajnith pulled away for a second, demanding And what do you think you are doing? You keep wearing that! before she realized that hers was simply trying to help. With a 'humph' she dropped her head slightly, giving Ten better access to her eyes. "You do be... mine?" the Glasscrafter asked, still totally floored and fully uncomprehending. I believe that you are MINE, TenlieSlaveMine, Rajnith corrected.

With an ecstatic glance around the sands, she echoed what she'd seen other ex-candidates do upon impression, raising her voice to the Stands. "I do be Ten of Rajnith", she announced, grinning fit to tear her face open, then turned back to her Green, and commented, "I do prefer Ten, by the way. Tenlie do no be my favorite name." Rajnith simply raised an eyeridge and looked hers up and down. Tenlie is much more regal and beautiful, TenlieSlaveMine. I will use whatever name I please. Now feed me, and remember- I wish to chew it. Ten rolled her eyes towards the ceiling, but she was still smiling, unable to shake the deep-seated feeling of love that emanated from herself and the beast at her side. She absolutely had to be the luckiest girl ever.

[Tashe]

"Well that was a bit rude." He wasn't partial to canines sticking their noses into his crotch, let alone a slightly more powerful hatchling dragon. Smoothing out his robes again, Eliah tried to brush out some of the egg goo that the Green had rubbed off on him. Yuck. Letting whatever he couldn't get off alone, the Candidate watched as a few more Blues and Greens hatched from their eggs. Was it him or was there so far an incredible ratio of the quote on quote lesser colors? It was probably him though, not knowing as much as he should about color ratios in clutches. He shrugged slightly. Whatever. It didn't matter anyways, Dragons were Dragons and each of them possessed a life changing experience. You know, if the War didn't cut that life short. Such a budding pessimist.

Where those two plotting something? Or just merely discussing the weather? It was hard for him to tell, the Peanutbutter Cup Blue and the Cherry Garcia Green looked as if they were musing about something. And although the way they kept looking back over at the candidates unsettled him, Eliah tried to be positive. Tried being the operative word. Next a particularly bright Blue crawled onto the sands, and didn't look very happy. It looked as if he was going to pounce on the nearest thing. Er... nearest person. Him. Wincing instinctively as the Phish Food Blue curled around his feet, Eliah waited for the pain. Looking at me, looking at me. They. Are. Looking. At. ME "Ack!" He wobbled as the Blue pulled on his robes. Mine, make them stop staring! They are all going to laugh at me. I just KNOW it! They are going to laugh at me. You will not let them laugh at your Viveth, will you, E’iahMine? YOU would never be that cruel. The sand beneath him shifted and sent him tumbling into it, spitting the sand from his mouth as he pushed himself up, E'iah felt the Blue bury his head under his arm. "Um. No... Uh... They won't laugh at you. You haven't done anything silly..." Pushing himself onto his knees and then onto the soles of his feet, the Blueweyrling laid a hand on the top of Viveth's head.

E'iah was trying to sort the outrage coming from the Blue and his own feelings into two separate entities. He didn't like this joint emotion sharing very much to tell the truth, he had gotten a small dose of it from Leifa but this was far more powerful. Lets get food E'iahmine, maybe if we go to that corner everyone will stop staring at me. Its so frustrating! "O-ohkay then. Lets... get you some food. Viv." Viveth. Viveth. "Sorry." So much for fond momentary nicknames. "Lets go then, Viveth."

[neeuqtar]

"An interesting mix, indeed," Tiramnet purred back, glancing back over at Piden. She could see him from the corner of her eye, glancing over. "I've done my own share of teaching lessons in the past. My own Nikeath tends to keep the weyrlings in line." She smiled at the memory, watching as more dragons Hatched, seeking theirs. About to comment on just how many chromatics there were, Carenath betweened from bothering Todmund to visiting her.

"Why, hello," she said, holding up her hand for him to drop on. He poked his nose into her belt pocket and she laughed, a lighthearted sound at odds with how serious she usually acted. "Yes, there's jerky in there," Tiramnet informed him, using her other hand to pull open the belt-pouch a little more, in the process shifting her hip into Piden's slightly.

"He's a friend," Tira murmered back, glancing over at him. He was attractive, to be certain. A wherhandler, perhaps, with that comment about being awake to see lessons. Dragonriders were rarely such laze-a-beds that they weren't awake when the weyrlings were roused from their beds. She smiled back at Piden, rubbing Carenath. Todmund looked as if he would be alright. "We share an interest in the smaller draconids," she explained. "Carenath here had a salamandyr dam, I believe. I haven't seen much of the salamandyrs, but they do seem like interesting creatures to me."

No bronze yet, Tira sent to Nikeath, puzzlement in her voice. Hardly seems like good luck for the Weyr...

Perhaps he wishes to make an entrance as bronzes do, Nikeath replied, her hum carrying over into her mindvoice. Or perhaps they are simply Hatching oddly, and all will be as expected. She seemed unconcerned with the order of the Hatching. After all, she was a green, and with as much (if not more, in her opinion) as a brown or bronze.

[raii]

A little green broadcasted a cheery message to all involved, before scrambling over to Sari. Sari was surprised, especially when the little creature said, have found you, my Sari, and you are my personlove. Your Upasanath would like to have some food very much now, and- SHINY! Sari's eyes widened as she bonded to her dragon. It was so much stronger than that with her fire lizards. "Upasanath?"

A smile slowly grew on her face. Brought back to attention by her Sari's voice, she detached herself from Sari's torso. Yes mine? Personlove, please bring food now? Personlove, my Sarilove![/i] "Oh! Right, food. Uhm…” Sari glanced around before locating the feeding station. “Come, let us get you some food!”

Good. Upasanath is hungry! I will eat all the food, and there will be none left, and that won’t even be enough! Tell them to get more food! Hungry![/i] Sari laughed and rubbed her head. “I’m sure there is plenty of food, so why don’t we just try with what there is, all right?” Upasanath bounded towards the food before calling hers over excitedly. Come, Personlove! Fooooooooooood.[/i]

As Sari fed the pale dragonet, her fire lizards watched. Mika chirped at the green, and landed on her head. Lazuli also offered a greeting, and Dusk gave an aloof nod. I like Sarilove’s pets. What are their names? Oh. I like Mika, she is green girl like me. I like Lazuli and Dusk too. Why are you pink, Dusklittle?[/i] Dusk bristled, but chirped happily when she said, I like Dusklittle. He is Duskpinklittle.

“Wait, Upasanath! Shouldn’t I announce you?” Sari said, belatedly remembering. Food was a priority for her little green. Maybe later. Keep the food coming! Look Sarimine! Two brothers and a sister just Impressed! Happy! Upasanath let out a soft purring sound as she looked towards the newly Impressed dragonets. “Don’t you want your food, Upasanath?” Sari giggled. Upasanath turned back and opened her mouth expectantly.

[Requiem]

Late, late, running late. Ever so late. Weyrmates could be so...distracting. He wasn't precisely sure why R'wign had chosen this morning to awaken early - earlier even than M'ta got up to go to drills by a considerable amount - but he wasn't complaining about the results. At all. Waking up to certain attentions never got a complaint out of M'ta, even if it meant that they'd been a little...busy...when the Hatching started up.

He tugged at his weyrmate as Behruth left to join the other dragons, Teri cradled in one arm and bouncing excitedly against him, eyes wide with wonder well before they got within sight of the baby dragons and cracking eggs. " 'agon!" she exclaimed, pointing. "Roo, maman, 'agon! Likkle 'agons!" The stands themselves were mostly full and buzzing, while new weyrlings wandered off the sands and candidates watched the rocking eggs and newly hatched dragons with barely disguised nervousness. Searching out the crowd of candidates, he spotted...

"R'wign. Your sister...look, she's already Impressed." Half-sister, technically, but M'ta didn't care to make the distinction. A green coiled around her feet. Thinking perhaps that he might have caught Jazheera's eye, he let go of R'wign long enough to wave to his sister, though he hadn't seen much of her since that first meeting. Awkward was awkward, after all. And soon after - or maybe at the same time - the blue that had been helping Ruliana's new mindmate turned, clearly Impressing to Jazheera. He blinked, then snorted softly. "Both your aunties, first time, Teri. Just look at that. This is why boys are icky. Roo and I...stood for turns, and your aunties Impressed first time."

"Boys icky," she repeated, rewarded with a smile and a bounce from M'ta.

[Ember]

Jazheera watched the blue that was flopped over in the sand. It was mostly a white-ish colour, though the flashes of blue gave him away. As he righted himself and startedd to make his way over she tensed slightly without meaning to. She was not going to be injured again, not unless a dragonet meant her harm and actually chased her. With how much they seemed to want to find their bondeds she doubted any hatchling would waste the time. As the blue paused, she noticed the green that had just hatched.

The girl blinked and eyed the blue and green curiously as they interacted. They seemed almost conspiratory as they stood together, glancing every now and then at the candidates. The blue put a wing on the green and she licked him. It was pretty cute to watch. Then another blue hatched and he was just...odd. He slinked across the sands and found His. Almost immediately after he did the pair of dragons that had been eyeing them started moving towards the candidates, walking shoulder to shoulder. Jazheera smiled brightly when the green curled at the feet of her friend. Oh how grand!

She didn't have time to be too happy for Ruliana though, for the blue turned in her direction and creeled. What? had she done something wrong? He spoke to her and she blinked. His? His!? She wanted to jump for joy or shout with delight or...something. Instead she reached for his head and just laid her hand there. The new mental link was quite overwhelming and she smiled again. "Dhavalth...Dhavalth, I'm alright. Really, there's no need to - " I shall right the wrong done to you...but first I require some food.

The tone and the fact that the 'd' on 'food' seemed to be added almost as an afterthought amused the girl and she rubbed Dhavalth's head before turning to look in the direction of his clutchsister and her friend. At the same time she caught sight of M'ta, and though she missed his wave she waved at him. She allowed Dhavalth to lead despite him stumbling every now and then. She didn't quite limp, but it was obvious from her stiff movements that she was in pain. Jazz's smiled matched Ruliana's but it faltered as Dhavalth tripped slightly. She sprang to his side and helped him regain his balance. Grateful emotions flooded across the bond and he said, Thank you, my lovely mine. Now lets hurry, or Amalath and Hers will leave us behind. Jazheera blinked and realized with amusement that everything he said rhymed. Badly.

"Do you always do that, Dhavalth? Rhyme?" She glanced over at Ruliana to see the girl's reaction but most of her attention was on her dragonet. They would not dare deprive a beautiful green of all the...meat. I feel the art of words is only too important to this world, he added for His. She snorted and shook her head. "It seems you need to practice your 'art' Dhavalth." Jazz was willing to bet he'd drive her nuts with it but oh well. Perhaps he'd get better at it over time. Good poetry was preferable over bad poetry, after all.

[kysseh]

The Peach Cobbler Egg abruptly stopped its rocking, sitting motionless for a few minutes until the creature inside began carefully selecting spots to push out. One here, one there… a crack along the top… all obviously a very carefully formed strategy for when the dragonet then pushed in all directions, the egg easily fell apart. What was left was a distinctly orange-hinted brown who immediately twisted his body around to be on his feet, hunkered down in the remains of his feet. His gaze was fixed on his clutchmother, regarding her with a critical eye before his head slowly turned towards the candidates. Ahh, yes. The puny ones. He needed one of those wretched creatures, didn’t he?

He was to be outdone, though, for the Karamel Sutra Egg finally fell over on its side, another orange nose sticking out of a hole in the shell. This nose made a whining noise and tried to push itself out in its entirety through the tiny hole. After a few moments of struggle, which the Peach Cobbler Brown watched with great disdain, the Karamel Sutra Bronze managed to free himself, sprawling on the sands with a great lack of dignity. That had been unpleasant, he decided, offering up a huff as he managed to pick his long, lean body off the sands and start moving towards the candidates.

The Peach Cobbler Brown was not to be outdone, though, and he hissed, charging after the bronze who whirled to meet him. A mound of sand between them, they hissed, taking turns making false lunges at each other to see who would give first. Neither seemed willing to back down, and though the bronze had his clutchbrother beat in length, any onlooker could see it was an even enough match. The muscled brown flared out his wet sings and irritably snapped snapped his jaws at the bronze.

The bronze chose the worst moment to retaliate, for the mound of sand between them held the Strawberry Cheesecake Egg. It had been mostly buried in the sand to start with and had become more so as the other dragonets flailed around and kicked more sand over it. Now, though, it had hatched, and a dark gray-green head popped up out of the sand between the two combatants, the Karamel Sutra Bronze’s snapping jaws missing her by just a hair. She snarled in fury and struggled her way out of her sandy prison, one forepaw taking a swipe for the bronze’s nose.

It landed, and the bronze backpedalled swiftly, tripping over his own tail in the process. Rof’lMine, Rof’lMine, did you see what that little… that… that… THING… did to me?! he shrieked, sending sand flying behind as he raced over and bodily flung himself into Rofinel. The move effectively flattened the poor boy, the bronze’s claws digging lightly into his arms as he tried to shove his scratched nose into the boy’s face. It is horrible. How dare she treat me this way! Your Kamath is most offended. The head suddenly tilted, one rainbow eye fixing on the boy’s face. Why are you on the ground when you should be feeding me? Never mind that Kamath was pinning him down. Clearly, Rof’l could do both at once.

The smugness radiating from the Peach Cobbler Brown was obvious, his head tilting back as he gave a rough sort of bugle. He was king of the clutch now, and his gaze focused now on the Strawberry Cheesecake Green, who was charging straight for the candidates without a backwards glance. The green roughly bowled over Nabrik, hissing in annoyance at him for getting in her way. Stupid. Couldn’t he see I was heading for you? she grumbled to Kalerary, sitting impatiently at the girl’s feet and staring up at her with beautiful rainbow eyes that seemed to be in complete contrast to her behavior. You are a sneaky hatchling, Kalerary, getting in when you were not supposed to. Kalerary. I will have to come up with a better name for you, my love. My special name for you. I am Chandath, and we will get along well, you and I.[/color][/i] She sneezed lightly, rubbing her nose on the girl’s robe. Now let us eat, sneakylove, before I am forced to fight Kamath for it. Not that I mind fighting him, of course, but he is such a baby. Did you see how he ran? Pathetic.

The Peach Cobbler Brown made a noise of satisfaction, eerily eyeing the candidates even as the Chocolate Fudge Brownie Green made her appearance and began to coo and chirp little nonsensical melodies. She was irrelevant. Only the puny humans were important for the moment.

[midnight]

Meagen paid more attention now, turning her gaze to the hatching at hand. She watched as the Peach Cobbler egg began hatching, to reveal a Brown. Well he was a pretty little brown, almost burnt orange in color, at least that's what it looked like to the girl. A brown with burnt orange colors to him. But a Brown none the less. Her eyes turned towards the next egg to hatch - the Karamel Sutra Egg.

That hatched to reaveal a bronze. Finally a bronze! There had to be at least one - because it had been a Bronze Sired clutch. Her lips quirked as she watched the antics of the Bronze, and the Brown. They obviously didn't like each other, she wondered how long that would last? Would their rivalry spread into becoming Full Riders? That would prove interesting in flights.

It was at that moment that the Stawberry Cheesecake egg decided to make it's debut. The poor green hatched in the middle of the fight. She almsot got bit! That's not good! Meagen's heart leapt in her throat as she watched the green swipe at the bronze. It was at that moment that the Bronze impressed. She blinked rapidly and watched the Green take off for her impression.

She blinked again, watching the Brown as he began to act like the King of the hill. Her chin resting on her upturned knee still. Her eyes directed towards the sands. The Brown watched the candidates - and then another Green hatched. She wasn't that bad looking - a pretty little thing. Meagen sighed at the thought of a dragon, getting a lazy glare from Clingy - he thought more of her then she thought of herself.

[kysseh]

The Chocolate Fudge Brownie Green was meandering almost aimlessly across the sound, twittering and chirping sweetly the entire way. She tripped a few times, her vocalizations rising to a high squeak of distress before returning to the mysterious melody that narrated her entire trip across the sands. Her path took her past the candidates and to the Stands, her clumsy efforts to climb up the stairs hindered by her lack of focus. She was not looking at where her feet were going but instead had adoring eyes fixated on one of the men in the stares. So. Handsome. So. Handsome. Oh, he had to be her humanlove!

One of the drudges had made to intercept her, but the green continued on past until she could go no further, flopped flat on the stairs with exhaustion as she continued her narrative chirping. Oh, MeagenMine, is he not wonderful? You are my mindmate, but he must be my true love. Do not you think he is so handsome? Your Tarath thinks so. she said wistfully, her gaze fixed on Behruth's for the moment. This was accompanied by a gusty sigh as the green continued to divide her attention, first to Hers and then back to the brownrider. I hunger. If only he would love me…

The Mint Chocolate Cookie Egg was finally beginning to move, its motions occurring in fits and spurts as the creature inside fought to join its clutchmates and get out. The Peach Cobbler Brown eyed the egg for a moment and then sighed, finally giving up his perch to stalk towards the candidates. Several were rejected with a cold, dismissive look. He finally recognized the one he want and walked towards them… or past them, rather.

You. We are going towards the food now. he said flatly, latching onto Todmund’s robe with his teeth. He made an effort of mercilessly tugging the boy towards the meat barrels, only hissing around his mouthful of cloth when His seemed to be holding up progress. Do you not understand that your Jagjith is hungry, T’mundMine? Stop dragging your heels. Be a silly emotional human and savor the moment some other time. I am not interested in your feelings at the moment. You are Mine; I am Yours. This is good. I am hungry.

The Mint Chocolate Cookie Blue squeaked, his head sticking out of a hole in his shell as he regarded his… solitude. All… alone. Oh, but that meant he had the sand to himself to go pick His, and he immediately began to blunder his way out of his egg, limbs all flailing until he was free. One of his hind legs ended up tangled with his tail, but the blue immediately began flopping across the sands, undeterred. By the time he had freed his leg, he was at the nearest of the candidates, a young woman who looked somewhat mystified by his approach.

Her look turned to horror as his jaws opened, and she shrieked in terror, moving away as the blue closed his teeth around… her robe. The dragonet squeaked around his mouthful and grabbed onto it with his claws as well, dismayed that she was taking away his new toy. Eventually, her motions and his tugging made the robe tear, and while the girl vainly tried to cover her exposed legs and backside, the Mint Chocolate Cookie Blue whuffed in delight and immediately twisted his head around to put the torn strip of robe on his back. Ah ha! He was now decorated!

He scampered quickly now to the feet of one of the candidates, tail wraggling in excitement as he crooned up at the boy. Oh, see, look at his hide! Wasn’t his hide amazing? Look, Mine! I have hide now! We will have to go find more, though, because my head is not decorated yet. But can we have food first? Where is the food? Your Pravinth is very hungry, T’risMine. He pawed lightly at Tynaris’ leg, fairly bouncing in place. Food first, and then I will make you relax. Why do you wear so much hide? It is ridiculous. His jaws closed around the boy’s robe, perilously close to T’ris’s groin. Come, I will wear it instead, and then you can show yourself off!

It had gone too quickly, Hepaticath acknowledged with a pleased croon. Still, there had been no major mishaps, and her bronze offspring was the only one of the lot who seemed to be injured. They were a beautiful lot of hatchlings, and she rumbled in triumph and obvious pride, angling her head slightly to eye her mate. He was impressed, wasn’t he? Of course he would be.

[midnight]

All coherent thought processes were focused on her mind at the moment. At the process of the hatching, and the events unfolding. It seemed that the Green from the Chocolate Fudge Egg - was heading towards the stands. A little unconventional - in all honesty. She went right past a drudge, looking towards one of the males in the stands. Who was it? She blinked rapidly as she shook her head from side to side. Faranth, this dragon was more then a little confused. Picking her bonded from the stands? A little unorthidox... To say in the least. Then it hit her - as she watched the creature. She knew those eyes - had seen them throughout the hatching.

Oh, MeagenMine, is he not wonderful? You are my mindmate, but he must be my true love. Do not you think he is so handsome? Your Tarath thinks so.

Oh FARANTH! What - or who - was the dragon going on about. Her body and mind in turmoil as she slowly stood up. Drawing clingy's attention as the blue left Mik and moved back to his persons side. What! Mine! he snapped as he puffed up. Stopping for a moment at the other voice in his usual domain. Then he realized that the green was REALLY pretty. He liked greens. Oh very much so - did he like greens. He skittered towards the green and avoided all the feet. His was still in shock slightly.

I hunger. If only he would love me… The green whispered to her bonded. Meagen was making her way towards the stairs now, rather slow. It was shock mostly that was coursing over her body. Her eyes focused on the green. She stopped for a moment, looking back at Mik and Cry. "Hey you two... I gotta go... She's-... She's mine." The young woman said in a quivering voice. It was almost too much, but she had to keep herself in control. She wanted to cry - not in sorrow, but in joy. She looked towards the dragon, stopping for a moment - trying to remember everything she could about her mother and her dragon.

Can you hear me like this Tarath?

Oh why yes mine! Oh isn't he dreamy! My stomach aches so terribly - but you must tell me his name! Tarath exclaimed with a gusty sigh. This made Meagen turn towards the male that the green was looking at. M'ta - of Behruth - if she remembered correction. That is a human - Tarath. You can't be in love with a human. She stated to the green - a sort of disbelief passing over her. Man - she thought that she had problems... Seriously. No! He is my one true love. Much better then any other Rider! Blue of Bronze! This made Meagen come to a halt for a moment, as Clingy kept going. Stopping before the Green.

What is this thing? He's adorable! But I hunger! Sweet Faranth, couldn't her dragon focus for a single moment? Oh shards...

Mine are you coming to feed me? the green asked as she looked up at her bonded with big swirling eyes. Meagen sighed as she walked down the steps. "Yeah, come on... let's get you food."